The Important Role of the Nominating Committee
Electric cooperatives are guided by an elected Board of Directors. These directors serve as the voice of the membership, representing the interest of their fellow member-owners and making decisions to shape the future of the cooperative. While elections happen just once a year, the process of selecting qualified candidates begins months in advance and that is where the nominating committee plays a vital role.
How Can I serve on the Nominating Committee
Member-owners interested in serving on the Nominating Committee can contact a current member of the Nominating Committee listed below or contact Amy Howard at 800-225-4532.
What is Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee consists of sixteen cooperative member-owners who are selected through a nomination process and are elected annually by the membership.
​
Their primary responsibility is to ensure members have strong, capable leadership by identifying and recommending qualified candidates for both the Board of Directors, as well as candidates to serve on the following year's Nominating Committee.
​
Their key role includes:
-
Reviewing Director and Nominating Committee qualifications
-
Seeking qualified candidates
-
Evaluating potential nominees
-
Submitting a slate of nominees
-
Counting ballots
What is the time commitment to serve
The Nominating Committee will devote time to contact potential director and nominating committee candidates. They meet at the Cooperative's headquarters in Estherville, Iowa, only twice a year, but the work they do is critical to the health and success of our cooperative.
-
The Nominating Committee meets each January to review the membership lists in their districts. They select and nominate qualified candidates for both the Board of Directors and the following year's Nominating Committee. This meeting lasts 2-3 hours.
-
The Nominating Committee meets the day before the Annual Meeting in April, to count ballots, ensuring an accurate and transparent election process. This meeting lasts 2-3 hours.
What are the benefits of serving on the Nominating Committee
-
Serving the membership and your community
-
Meeting and speaking with other member-owners of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
-
Per diem and mileage reimbursement
2026 Nominating Committee
District I
John Boettcher, Spirit Lake
Jim Hemphill, Lake Park
Greg Kaiser, Milford
Doug Schwaller, Milford
District II
Darrell Millard, Alta
Travis Otto, Cherokee
Rodney Parker, Cherokee
Andrew Perry, Alta
District III
Lori Baade, Havelock
John Banwart, West Bend
Alan Hauswirth, Havelock
Lisa Siebrecht, Curlew
District IV
Clyve Jensen, Ringsted
Ryan Larson, Swea City
Lucas Oleson, Armstrong
Mark White, Graettinger